Definition

A person who engages in or promotes sexual activities for money, often in a derogatory sense.

Example

The novel depicted a whoremonger who exploited vulnerable individuals for profit.

Conversation

Have you heard about that guy at the party last week?

Yeah, I heard he was quite the whoremonger.

It’s surprising how some people can be so open about it.

I guess it’s just a different lifestyle for them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Whoremonger is formed from "whore" (from Old English *hwore*, meaning a woman who engages in sexual activity for payment) and "monger" (from Old English *mangere*, meaning a dealer or trader). The word describes someone who deals in or promotes the activities of prostitution.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'dealer' ('monger') in 'whores' ('whore') — that's why whoremonger refers to someone who promotes or engages in prostitution.

Visually Confused Words